DRUG POLICY DRAFTED

A Healthcare Otago draft policy covering illicit use of alcohol and drugs
by Wakari Hospital patients is likely to be ratified soon, mental health
manager Dr Colleen Coop said yesterday.

A Wakari patient's father yesterday raised issues of cannabis use by
patients, allegedly on and off the hospital grounds, and laid a complaint
with Healthcare Otago and the district inspector of mental health.

Dr Coop yesterday provided a copy of the draft policy, currently at the
stage of staff consultation, designed to minimise illicit substance use,
which is prohibited in the hospital and its grounds.

The policy said screening of high-risk patients suspected to have taken
illicit alcohol or drugs may be requested at any time.

The policy of using blood or urine tests to detect illicit substances also
covered hospital in-patients and those on leave from the hospital.

A patient found distributing drugs or alcohol in a ward could face
expulsion from the hospital as an in-patient, reduction of leave
opportunities, closer ward monitoring or screening of visitors.

When drugs such as cannabis or opiates were found in the possession of a
patient or visitor, the psychiatrist in charge of medical care would decide
whether to call police.

Dr Coop expected the policy to be amended slightly following staff
consultation, but it would be unlikely "to change it materially", she said.

Police said regular requests to visit Wakari were made each month. However,
only minimal amounts of illicit drugs were found.